Willis Claiborn Smith, 74, of Newnan, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital.

Born July 11, 1952, in Knoxville, TN, he was a son of the late Willis Hansard Smith and the late Anna Mary Jett Smith. Willis was an independent contractor and sheet metal roofer for many years in the community. He was a creative artist in every aspect of his work and life. He could find a way to fix anything that was broken and think outside of the box in order to do so. He was also an undiscovered musical genius, especially when it came to writing and composing songs about the human experience. He was a passionate entertainer, who loved country music and the sound of a guitar. Most of all he was a loving husband, father and grandfather that will be dearly missed by the ones he loved the most. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by 2 brothers.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Linda D. Smith; children, Daniel Claiborne Smith, Kristy Marie Diaz (Angel), Clayton Andrew Smith (Stephanie), Poppy Michelle Patterson (Charles), Shelley Renee Agan (Jason), Misty Starr Fulton (Billy) and Mary Angela Bolender (Bobby); grandchildren, Lisette Anson (Jon), Angel Diaz (Alekhya), William Diaz, Elisha Diaz, A. J. Smith, Reese Patterson, Allexa Patterson, David Agan, McKenzie Newman (Cole), Brantley Agan, Caleb Fulton, Kristian Young, Bryton Young, Beckett Bolender and Hazel Bolender; 4 great grandchildren; loyal companion, Mazy; 1 brother; and 3 sisters.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Hillcrest Chapel. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Willis C. Smith, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.